Uganda under the British Protectorate
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Uganda was a British Protectorate from 1894 until 1962, when it gained independence. During this period, Uganda was not a colony, but rather a protectorate under British control. The British were responsible for the country’s administration, defense, and foreign policy.
Under the British Protectorate, Uganda experienced significant changes. The British implemented a system of indirect rule, which allowed traditional rulers to maintain some authority over their subjects, while the British controlled key aspects of governance.
The British also introduced Christianity, established a cash crop economy, and developed infrastructure such as roads, railways, and schools. However, the protectorate also brought significant social and political challenges, such as the loss of sovereignty, displacement of local cultures, and conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups.
The British Protectorate came to an end in 1962 when Uganda gained independence and became a republic.
1907. Winston Churchill with King Daudi Cwa11 of Buganda, in Kampala, British Protectorate of Uganda
Buganda Agreement (1900)
The main points of the Buganda Agreement of 1900:
- Territorial Control: The agreement confirmed British control over Buganda while recognizing the traditional authority of the Kabaka (king) and the Buganda kingdom.
- Land Tenure System: It established a new land tenure system where land was classified into three categories: crown land (owned by the British), official land (held by Buganda chiefs), and private land (owned by individuals).
- Administration and Governance: The agreement outlined the administrative structure, with British officials having ultimate authority, but local chiefs retained some powers to govern on the ground.
- Taxation and Revenue: It defined tax collection responsibilities, allowing the British to impose taxes while ensuring some revenue would support the Buganda administration.
- European and African Relations: It encouraged British settlers to invest and settle in Buganda, fostering economic development, but it also aimed to maintain a balance with local interests.
- Rights and Obligations: The agreement listed rights and obligations for both the Buganda leaders and the British authorities, establishing expectations for governance and mutual cooperation.
- Cultural Preservation: While establishing colonial rule, the agreement made provisions for the preservation of Buganda’s cultural practices and institutions.
This agreement significantly impacted the political landscape in Uganda and laid the groundwork for future colonial policies in the region. If you need more details on specific aspects, feel free to ask!
Apolo Kagwa (right) with his secretary Ham Mukasa, 1902
Tooro Agreement (1900)
The 1900 Tooro Agreement – A Historical Treaty That Shaped Uganda
The 1900 Tooro Agreement, also known as the Toro Agreement, is a significant historical document that played a vital role in shaping the modern-day Uganda we know today. The treaty, signed on July 11, 1900, marked the final agreement between the British colonial administration and the Tooro Kingdom, an ancient kingdom located in Western Uganda.
The agreement was initiated by the British, who were interested in bringing the region under their control and expanding their colonial empire. The British had already established a presence in the region, but they needed a formal treaty with the Tooro Kingdom, which was one of the largest and most powerful kingdoms in the region, to consolidate their power.
King of Tooro, Kabalega
Key Constitutional moments under British Rule
This agreement established the Uganda Protectorate under British rule and defined the relationship between the Buganda Kingdom and the British administration.
This conference introduced significant changes to Uganda's political landscape, allowing for the direct election of members to the Legislative Council and the establishment of the African Farmers' Union.
This report proposed the creation of a federal system for Uganda, which was rejected by the Buganda Kingdom, leading to increased tensions between Buganda and the central government.
This conference led to the drafting of Uganda's first post-independence constitution, which provided for a parliamentary democracy with an emphasis on regional autonomy.
History of Uganda’s Constitutions
The 1962 Constitution of Uganda was adopted after the country gained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962. It established a parliamentary democracy with a ceremonial president and a prime minister as the head of government. The constitution included a Bill of Rights that protected fundamental human rights and freedoms but also granted extensive powers to the central government, leading to regional and ethnic tensions.
In 1966, a new constitution was adopted following a referendum. It replaced the ceremonial presidency with an executive presidency, combining the roles of head of state and head of government. The constitution aimed to address the power imbalance between the central government and the regions but ultimately failed to resolve underlying tensions.
The 1967 Constitution was adopted following a military coup led by Apollo Milton Obote. It abolished the traditional kingdoms and consolidated power in the hands of the central government. The constitution established a one-party system under the Uganda People's Congress and granted broad powers to the president.
The 1995 Constitution, which remains Uganda's current constitution, was promulgated following the restoration of multi-party politics. It restored the traditional kingdoms as cultural institutions and reintroduced a Bill of Rights that protected fundamental human rights and freedoms. The constitution established a presidential system, with an executive president as the head of state and government. While it aimed to create checks and balances on executive power, critics argue that it still grants the president significant authority.
Key Moments in Uganda’s Constitutional History
Benedicto Kiwanuka, the first Ugandan Chief Justice, was murdered during the regime of Idi Amin. This event marked a significant erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law in Uganda.
A political crisis erupted when Prime Minister Milton Obote suspended the constitution and ordered the army to attack the Kabaka (king) of Buganda's palace. This event led to the abolition of traditional kingdoms and further centralized political power.
Archbishop Luwum was killed under Idi Amin's regime after publicly criticizing the government's human rights abuses. His death highlighted the severe oppression and brutality of Amin's dictatorship.
Uganda has experienced several military coups and changes in government since independence. These events have often resulted in constitutional changes, political instability, and violations of human rights.